The INTERACT Research Unit and Information Studies unit, at the University of Oulu, have been conducting an AI Youth Ambassadorship program for two weeks in June since 2023.

In this program, students are introduced to Generative AI, Emotional AI, Critical Data Literacy, Sustainable AI, and AI in Social Media, focusing on how AI impacts their everyday lives. They also work with digital fabrication technologies in the BusinesAsema FabLab. Working in small teams, they will create content and materials for sharing information on AI and its impact on the youth - such as themselves, their friends, and their peers. They maintain active social media accounts (including Insta: @aiambassadors) about their work during these two weeks. 

In the next academic year, as AI Youth Ambassadors, students are asked to conduct one event, like a presentation or performance, at their school to share their learning about AI's impact on youth.

The program is related to several ongoing projects at the INTERACT Research Unit and Information Studies unit:

• Participatory AI with School children (PAIZ) project funded by the Academy of Finland (2021-2024). Project PI: Sumita Sharma (Project webpage).

• GenZ-project, a strategic profiling project in human sciences at the University of Oulu, supported by the Academy of Finland and the University of Oulu. Projectc co-PI: Marianne Kinnula (Project Webpage).

• Artificial intelligence mediating the everyday information practices of young people (AIM) funded by the Kone Foundation. Project PI: Noora Hirvonen, Researchers Aira Huttunen, Tuula Nygård, Tuulikki Alamettälä, Ville Jylhä, Yucong Lao.

• FutuProta project on young people as future design protagonists funded by the Research Council of Finland. Project PI Marianne Kinnula, Researchers Behnaz Norouzi and Tuure Haarjärvi.

• Critical Changelab project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. Project PIs Eva Durall and Marianne Kinnula, PhD student Yusra Niaz.

• Critical DataLit project funded by the Research Council of Finland (2023-2027). Project PI Eva Dural, and doctoral researcher Najme Babai.

• TakeOver project funded by the Research Council of Finland (2024-2028). Project PI Netta Iivari.

• The Metapilot Factory project - co-funded by the European union and council of Oulu region. (autumn 2023-2026) Project PI Ruut Tikkanen.

This program is also a part of the Special Interest Group on Children and AI at FCAI (Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence) and the AI-Educate initiative by Women in AI in Finland.

The program was run successfully in 2023, 2024, and recuitment for the 2025 batch is now open.

Outcomes of the 2023 program were presented at AI day 2023 at Aalto, Helsinki (poster).